Inmate isolated in Oregon prison after suspected tuberculosis

Correctional officials suspect that an adult incarcerated at the Oregon State Penitentiary may be suffering from tuberculosis.

According to the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), the person has been in custody for about four months. On Friday, officials removed him from the prison and placed him in isolation to prevent the spread of the virus.

Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or sings.

The individual was transported from the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) to Salem Memorial Hospital for testing. Once testing is complete, the inmate will be transferred to Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) where he or she will be isolated in a negative pressure cell in the infirmary. Full test results may take up to two weeks.

DOC is working with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) on an action plan to ensure appropriate isolation, infection control, testing, contact tracing and medical evaluation protocols are in place to support this individual and protect staff and other AICs.

“We understand this news is upsetting, but we are taking all necessary steps to effectively manage this situation,” said DOC Director Mike Reese. “Our priority is to protect the health and safety of everyone in our care – both staff and inmates. We have well-trained medical staff at each facility who will address any concerns raised by staff or AICs as new information becomes available.”